Lightning strike starts house fire Orange County

Firefighters in Orange County have contained a house fire that they say was caused by a lightning strike on Saturday.

When they arrived at the Cloyd Dairy Loop home just after 4 p.m., firefighters found a "well involved" fire in the attic.

Officials say the occupants of the house heard "a loud crack" and the sound of a circuit breaker popping. Neighbors later saw smoke coming from the house and called 911.

The fire has been classified as "accidental as the result of a lightning strike," according to an Orange County Fire Rescue report.

Three people in the house were evacuated, but unharmed, officials said. A fire rescue report calls the damage to the home "severe."

Forecasters with the National Weather Service in Melbourne warned that nasty weather was likely for Central Florida for the afternoon and early evening on Saturday, with the possibility of lightning strikes.

Forecasters say that thunderstorms will remain likely overnight and into Sunday.